Genetic Counseling Graduate School Applications: How to Stand Out
By Dominique (Nikki) Alexander
Applying to genetic counseling school can be an incredibly daunting task due the competitive admissions process. According to the National Matching Services statistics for the 2022 admissions cycle, only around 26% of applicants who registered for the Match were admitted to a program. This means that about three out of four people who applied did not get into school last year. The competitive nature of the field is likely due to several factors, chief among them being the limited number of programs available, small class sizes, and increasing interest in the field. Considering this, how can applicants stand out from the crowd and improve their chances of matching to a graduate school program?
Impressive Scholarship
Having a solid academic record shows graduate schools that you can handle the high-level, rigorous coursework you will encounter in their program. Most programs have a GPA requirement or recommendation of 3.0 and above, so try to meet or exceed this benchmark. If you don’t have a 3.0, don’t panic! Showing improvement is also a sign of academic dedication, and the admissions process is holistic. This means that if academics were not your strongest area, you can make up for it in other ways.
Each genetic counseling graduate program will have their own prerequisite course requirements listed on their website, but most programs require the following:
General Biology
General Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry
Genetics
Psychology
Statistics
Some programs also require Embryology, and Anatomy is often recommended. Obtaining good grades in these required courses will be especially helpful in assuring programs that you can manage the academic load of graduate school.
Varied Extracurricular Involvement
Graduate programs like to see students that are passionate and involved. Engaging in extracurricular activities in addition to your coursework is a great way to differentiate yourself and prove that you are ready for a career in genetic counseling. Specifically, many programs look for students who have been involved in one or more of the following categories of involvement.
Counseling: As the name implies, a huge part of genetic counseling is being able to navigate complex psychosocial issues associated with genetic testing, and supporting patients through perhaps one of the most difficult moments of their life. While volunteering on a Crisis Text Line is valuable experience in this category, it is better to strive for Crisis Phone Line or in-person counseling experience if possible. Research organizations in your area that may have opportunities like these.
Teaching/Mentoring: Another component of genetic counseling is being able to explain scientific concepts to patients from different backgrounds in a way they understand, so that they can use that information to make decisions that are best for them. Your university may offer opportunities like becoming an undergraduate teaching assistant (UTA or TA), volunteering/working for the tutoring center, or becoming a discussion group leader for a particular course. You could also pursue private tutoring, or investigate whether there are any companies in your area that hire and train tutors. Mentoring is also a valuable experience, as it shows graduate programs that you can guide people through unfamiliar territory. Research whether your university sponsors any peer mentoring programs.
Advocacy: A pillar of genetic counseling is being your patient’s #1 advocate. Becoming involved in an advocacy group is a great way to show graduate programs that you are up to the challenge. Explore whether your university has existing advocacy clubs, or create your own. Good examples of advocacy include involvement with an organization like Planned Parenthood or volunteer work for people with disabilities.
Leadership: Genetic counselors are leaders in the field of genetics, so becoming a leader on your campus, within your community, or at your workplace demonstrates your capabilities to graduate programs.
A Solid Foundation in Research
Having a proficient understanding of scientific research is important to being a successful genetic counselor because GCs often act as the translator between science and the public. Research is the way we discover new information that patients can utilize in making their decisions. Therefore, becoming involved in a research laboratory on your campus or working for a research company is a great way to demonstrate your understanding of the process. Involvement in research also shows graduate schools that you will be capable of completing the required thesis project.
Ample Exposure to the Field
Last but certainly not least, gaining exposure to the field of genetic counseling is a factor that graduate programs value heavily. Exposure demonstrates dedication to this particular line of work and is an indication to the graduate schools that you will complete their program if admitted. Most programs recognize that exposure to the field is much more difficult in some areas and circumstances than others, so if you are unable to shadow a genetic counselor in your area, there are other options available to you:
Join the Advocate Genetics Prep Program
Reach out to genetic counselors across the country for informational interviews through the National Society of Genetic Counselors Directory
Participate in Virtual Genetic Counseling Career Camps and Webinars
Get exposure to podcasts and books about or related to genetic counseling
View the Master Genetic Counselor Series from the National Society of Genetic Counselors
Preparing to Apply
If you are preparing to apply to genetic counseling graduate programs, first take a moment to congratulate yourself for taking this courageous step into your future. Although admissions are competitive, the genetic counseling world is a wonderfully supportive and collaborative space. Know that regardless of the outcome, you are enough, you are worthy, and we are rooting for you. Trust your experiences and yourself, and good luck!
